What should I expect from an animation course?

shenerd

I'm currently a leaving cert student. I'd really like to do an animation course and I'm thinking probably IADT. I basically want to know what should I expect from such a course, as in course content. I really need to be 100% sure that I'm going to love this course as it's going to cost a lot of money to get me there. I would really appreciate anyones insight, thanks

Debunker

It actually states what you'll be doing on the site.

I'll just paste it here incase anyone wants to know;

Year 1

Academic, Critical and Cultural Studies; Drawing and Animation; Drawing; Design; Animation Principles Experimental - 3D; Design for Film Production; Animation Principles - Drawing; Digital Skills; Personal Project


Year 2

Academic, Critical and Cultural Studies (Film, Technology and the City; Film and Narrative); Animation Principles - Drawing I and Drawing II; Drawing; Design; Digital 3-D / 2-D Flash; Personal Project

In addition, you will be able to choose one module from the School of Creative Arts’ bank of electives. *


Year 3

Academic Critical Debates - History of Animation; Academic Advanced Research Methods and Thesis Preparation; Digital 3D - 2D; Group Industry Project; Media I and II; Drawing; Business Studies; Production Preparation


Year 4

Standard or Extended Thesis; Pre-Production; Final Year Project; Portfolio and Show reel

I'll be looking to join IADT too, there's going to be some queue to be joining this year. Here's hoping we get in!

shenerd

I've read everything on IADT's website as well as qualifax but I was hoping for something more in depth.
I haven't been to either open day, which I know is ridiculous but living in Cork and school commitments has made it impossible. Maybe over midterm I will go up and see if someone can give me a tour.
I really want to know like how much time is spent drawing, on computers, is there maths involved with programming or anything like that. I feel as though the information on the website is very limited.

Debunker

I do know that there's not that much maths, if at all involved. There is however some script learning for the 3D programs. I'll try find information on the drawing side of it for you.

shenerd

Thanks, I've been stressing out over whether to put it as my first choice if at all

DuaneBenzie

Hey Shernerd, what do you want from a course like this? I studied animation production in Bournemouth in the UK and it was mostly traditional techniques with a lot of focus on team projects. I'd recommend getting used to working with other people rather than on your own, it will set you up better for working in a company and encourage you to be less precious about your work.

shenerd

I think I would like a mixture of traditional animation as well as 3D work. What is a typical day like as an animator?

DuaneBenzie

I'd recommend the BA at Ballyfermot then

You mean what's it like professionally? It really depends on what you're doing - there are so many specialisations within animation. Even within 2D, you could be doing backgrounds/storyboards/character animation/effects animation/rigging and asset creation/character design. The common denominator really is just having an interest in what you do and putting in a lot of hard work - talent really is nothing without being able to have the drive and motivation to put in the hours.

Also if you are ever interested in getting into freelance animation, the one piece of advice I'd give you is to always be realistic about how long you think something will take. You'll be doing yourself and everyone you work with a favour.

shenerd

Is there a major difference between the two? I know it's probably a bit pretentious(?) of me but I'd just be a bit uneasy about going to Ballyfermot and their resources may not be as strong. It comes down to animation or graphic design for me so either way there is going to be a lot of computer work.

DuaneBenzie

You'd be better off asking someone else about the specific strengths of each course. I haven't been there myself, I only know it by reputation - one of my tutors went there, but that was way back when the Sullivan Bluth studio was here.

If you are interested in a taster course for animation, I'm running a 12 week evening class 'Animation for Beginners' which is aimed at people who are interested in learning the basic principles of animation and have some basic/intermediate drawing skills - the thread is in this forum.

shenerd

Thanks. I probably won't as I presume it is in Dublin. Thanks for the advice though

DuaneBenzie

No problem, I'm always happy to help out someone who's interested in animation